Rent a House in Greece: qualifications needed

Qualifications needed to rent a house in Greece

Landlords and real estate agencies typically require certain documents and guarantees to protect both parties involved in a rental agreement.

These requirements help verify your identity, financial stability, and legal status, ensuring that you can meet your rental obligations and that the landlord is renting to a reliable tenant.

Essential requirements for long-term rentals include:

• Valid ID: A government-issued ID, such as a passport, is essential for verifying your identity during the rental process.
• Proof of income: Landlords often require proof of financial stability to ensure that you can meet your rental obligations. This may include recent bank statements or proof of a steady income.
• Tax Identification Number (AFM): You’ll need to obtain an AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου), which is essential for various financial transactions in Greece, including signing leases and setting up utilities. This can be obtained from a local tax office (Eforia). While the process is straightforward, it may be beneficial to hire a legal representative who is familiar with the process.
• Bank Account: Landlords often prefer to receive rent payments through a Greek bank account. Opening one requires your AFM and proof of identity.
• Guarantor: Although not always mandatory, some landlords may require a guarantor, especially if you lack a stable income or local financial history. A guarantor co-signs the lease and agrees to cover any missed payments.
• Security Deposit: Landlords usually require a security deposit of one or two months’ rent to cover any damage or unpaid bills. This deposit is refundable at the end of the lease provided there are no outstanding obligations or damage to the property.

Long-term rentals usually involve a lease of at least one year. Under Greek law, standard rental contracts have a minimum term of three years, even if a shorter term is verbally agreed.

Of course, if you are not an EU citizen and plan to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit before renting a house. The type of permit depends on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study or retirement, and is another essential requirement to meet.